An Empirical Study On The Learning Of English Synonyms Using Concept Map As A Learning Aid

Synonym, as one of the six semantic lexical relationships, has always been one of the main focuses of English learning. Good synonymic competence will help the learners to express his or her ideas clearly and appropriately. On one hand, synonyms provide shortcuts for learners to enlarge their vocabulary and express themselves; on the other hand, because of their differences, synonyms also cause troubles for English language learners to use them correctly. The current learning strategy for English synonyms adopted by most Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) leaners may not be ideal. Traditional synonym learning strategy focuses on the memorization of words and their fine differences explained by dictionaries or given by teachers. However, it’s hard for learners to build a long-term memory for synonyms unless numerous repetitions are done. It’s also difficult for learners to comprehend and clarify the subtle differences between synonyms, let alone the proper usage of the synonyms. Moreover, related studies on English synonym learning show that English synonym learning troubles many English language learners and most of them are not fully aware of the strategies they could adopt in synonym learning.Concept mapping is a graphic technique with which learners’cognitive framework for a particular subject is reflected and his or her understanding of the subject is thereby enhanced. Research indicates that concept mapping is an effective learning strategy that precipitates meaningful learning in child and adult learners, and in a variety of domains, such as genetics and ecology, physics, chemistry. Additionally, there is also evidence that concept mapping is a useful strategy for English language learners.The current study focuses on the English learners’acquisition of English synonyms and sets up a learning strategy for English synonyms with concept map as a learning aid. Based on the results of the researcher’s study, it is found that concept map as a learning aid is effective in English synonym learning. Three findings are reached in the current study:1) Concept maps facilitate meaningful learning of English synonyms.2) Concept maps bring long-term memory of English synonyms.3) Concept maps improve learners’overall English proficiency.